Trade integration provides many development opportunities, but its benefit for sustainable development is not automatic. Understanding and managing the risks that come with trade openness is not straightforward. It requires at least a conceptual understanding of the linkages between trade and sustainable development—both the opportunities it creates, and the threats that it poses.

This workshop aims to enhance the general public and policymakers' understanding of the relationship between trade and SDGs. It gives a broad perspective on trade's enabling and disenabling roles in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This year’s workshop will explore these connections through the lens of Global Value Chains (GVCs). The thematic session will discuss how the shifting global value chain landscape will reshape the relationship between trade and SDGs, and how countries can navigate these changes to achieve sustainable development.

1-16 October 2025

The workshop includes 15 pre-recorded modules (approximately 15 minutes each), readings, and online quizzes to be completed over a two-week period. Three live sessions, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes, will be held for deeper discussions with the course facilitator and distinguished guest experts. You can find the course programme under the ‘DOCUMENTS’ tab of the event page.

First live session: 6 October 2025, 14:00-15:00 hrs (UTC+7)

This session offers participants an opportunity to discuss course materials and their practical applications with the course facilitator. Participants are expected to complete at least the four introductory "A" modules before attending the first session on 6 October.

Second live session: 9 October 2025, 14:00-15:15 hrs (UTC+7)

This session will make participants familiar with the thematic subject of this year’s workshop by introducing relevant course materials and other resources. Participants should continue studying the online video modules and complete the GVC video module (C.2) before attending the second session on 9 October.

Third live session: 16 October 2025, 14:00-15:30 hrs (UTC+7)

This session will feature a thematic discussion, allowing participants to broaden their perspectives and apply conceptual knowledge to real-world issues. This year’s theme will focus on trade and GVCs. Participants should have completed all main modules and MUST have completed the GVC module “C.2” before attending the third session on 16 October 2025.

Certificate and requirements

UN-ESCAP and IDE-JETRO will issue an e-certificate for your successful completion of all mandatory modules (A, B, C). Successful completion requires 1) attending ALL live sessions, 2) submitting the workshop feedback online survey, and 3) passing all module quizzes with at least 75% before 1 December 2025. Those who met these requirements will receive an e-certificate sent by email within 30 days after the quiz deadline (31 December 2025).

Please see the UN ESCAP website for detailed program:

Please register by 6 October 2025 at REGISTER to the WORKSHOP.

English

UN-ESCAP, IDE-JETRO

Free

Professor Ian Coxhead, Senior Research Fellow, IDE-JETRO

To access the self-learning materials, please REGISTER to the ONLINE COURSE on “Trade and Sustainable Development Goals” which is hosted on the ESCAP Community platform.